Editorial: For the newcomers: Let us know your story

Midland Reporter-Telegram

Published 12:05 pm, Thursday, July 11, 2013

Midland is changing.

For many long-time residents, the change has been dramatic. We have seen a higher cost of living, more crowded streets and greater challenges in meeting the demands of what a community should expect on a daily basis.

We continue to hear and report those stories. Like you, we have been here and experienced it.

Our request today is for the newcomer -- whether subscriber, occasional reader or someone who hasn’t yet found the Reporter-Telegram -- to give us their 2 cents.

How does Midland measure up in housing, roads, infrastructure, entertainment and quality of life? How could we do better, or do these criteria really matter?

Some residents wish about 20,000 to 30,000 people who have invaded Midland would pack up and leave. They wish for that community where two lanes going in one direction were adequate for the loop or a major arterial. They appreciated times when the schools were not busting at the seams. They liked their restaurants without the hour-long wait. They also preferred rents didn’t start at four figures (we especially agree with the last point).

However, in our view, the mass exodus isn’t going to take place. We see what’s happening with tens of millions of dollars being spent on new oil company headquarters across town. The population increase might not be the spike we currently experience, but community planners will continue to deal with growth.

We know we haven’t seen the last wave of new Midlanders. We also know the newcomer’s voice often gets lost in government and with the decision-makers. It shouldn’t be lost with us.

Please let us help tell your story and express your concerns. Write us at news@mrt.com about whatever you think we need to know.